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Help for 1 in 10 people with repeated bouts of tonsillitis

	You may not be able to tell whether you have a sore throat or tonsillitis. The symptoms are very similar. But ConsumerReportsHealth.org and your doctor can help you diagnose tonsillitis and find treatments that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today and find out whether medication or surgery rates best for treating tonsillitis.

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating tonsillitis. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose your best treatment options.

Key points for people with tonsillitis

• Tonsillitis is an infection in your tonsils.
• Your tonsils are two small, almond-shaped mounds that sit on either side of the back of your throat.
• If your tonsils get infected with a virus or bacteria, it can make you quite ill.
• You may not be able tell whether you have a sore throat or tonsillitis. The symptoms are very similar.
• If you have tonsillitis, your symptoms may include a very sore throat that lasts more than three days, a fever and chills, red and swollen tonsils, or patches of white pus on your tonsils.
• If you get repeated attacks of tonsillitis you may want to think about having your tonsils removed.

Tonsillitis usually clears up on its own. But if your symptoms are very bad, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. You may have only one attack of tonsillitis, but if you get tonsillitis a lot it can make your life difficult. You may need time off work, or your child could lose time at school. Tonsillitis affects children more often than adults. If you or your child has recurrent tonsillitis, you may want to consider surgery to remove the tonsils.

Our concise condition report and Treatment Ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which treatment for tonsillitis is right for you or your child. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.